Rafael Salas was the first head of the United Nations Population Fund from its inception
in 1969 up to his death in 1987

RAFAEL SALAS

Salas was a lecturer in Economics. In 1966, Salas was appointed Executive Secretary
under President Marcos. During his tenure he was credited for having solved the yearly
rice production problem of the country as action officer of the National Rice Sufficiency
Program.

Due to differences with President Marcos, Salas stepped down as Executive Secretary
to be the first Executive Director of the United Nations - Fund for Population Activities
in 1969, now known as the United Nations Fund with the rank of Undersecretary General.